ONTARIO — The owners from Ontario’s newest entertainment option, Exithis, were all smiles Friday afternoon for a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Exithis is an escape room designed to challenge participants to solve a series of puzzles and riddles to “escape” the room. The facility on Stumbo Road features two themes currently, a bank setting and a prison setting. A third setting, Aztec temple, will open at the end of June.
Mayor Randy Hutchinson, who has not experienced the escape room yet, thanked owner Brad Humble for choosing Ontario.
“We hear a lot there is nothing to do in Ontario. Well, there’s a lot to do around here,” he said.
The facility has been open for a few weeks and already Humble said they are busy with bookings every weekend — it’s open Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
“We’re booked up for the next couple weeks,” Humble said. “And it’s getting good reviews on Google and Facebook.”
Humble suggests group sizes of six to eight.
“Anything below four and you’re really going to struggle to solve all the puzzles,” he said. “So come ready and prepared because they are difficult.”
The fastest group through the bank setting made it out in 56 minutes. Groups start with 60 minutes.
“I don’t know much about this form of entertainment,” Representative Mark Romanchuk said with a chuckle. “But it looks like it’s fun. I thank you for choosing Ontario.”
Richland Area Chamber of Commerce President Jodi Perry said Humble’s business is an investment to the community.
“Bigger cities are doing things like this so it’s good to bring that here so we can get Richland (County) back,” Perry said. “Oh, and I’d be remised if I didn’t say, Richland Rocks.”
Humble said his goal is to make Exithis the best escape room experience in the state. He realizes the difficulty level of his escape room is high, but he guarantees a good time for all.
“I guarantee you’ll have a good time,” he said. “Even if you don’t get out (of the escape room).”
To book for an evening at Exithis, visit their website. They also have a Facebook page.
